FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77073282

State of Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits with a forward-thinking agency focused on wildlife conservation. As the Lead Area Biologist, you will manage habitats and implement restoration strategies across a vast natural area. This role involves coordinating with various agencies and requires a strong background in ecology and wildlife management. Join a dedicated team committed to preserving Florida's unique ecosystems and make a real impact on wildlife and plant species. If you have a passion for nature and a desire to lead impactful projects, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Group health insurance

Participation in Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Home-is-office position

Prescribed burning training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science preferred, or 4 years relevant experience.
• Experience in supervising team members and managing wildlife habitats.

Responsibilities

• Lead habitat management on 1,650 acres for wildlife and plant species.
• Coordinate habitat restoration activities and manage public access.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of principles of ecology and wildlife management

Knowledge of common and imperiled species of Florida

Experience with prescribed fire application and fire ecology

Experience in supervising team members

Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices

Ability to conduct wildlife surveys and summarize biological data

Proficient in ArcGIS and GPS applications

Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers, and heavy equipment

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science

Four years of direct, relevant experience

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS applications

Job description

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III - 77073282

Date: Mar 11, 2025

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

Position Number: 77073282

Address: 3365 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas, FL 32709

Phone: [phone]

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

FWC Mission Statement: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Description of Duties:

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead management on the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) in Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida. This position serves as the Lead Area Biologist responsible for habitat management on over 1,650 acres of natural communities to benefit non-game and imperiled wildlife and plant species. The successful candidate will coordinate and implement habitat management and restoration activities including prescribed fire application, mechanical and chemical treatments, and invasive species management. The incumbent will assist with management on various other WMAs in the NE region.

The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of running the WEA including management plan revision, infrastructure management, wildlife monitoring, public access management, reporting, purchasing, budget management, and GIS. The incumbent will interact professionally with the public and partners, including other state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. Occasional travel to attend regional and divisional meetings and trainings may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of principles of ecology and wildlife management
• Knowledge of common and imperiled species of Florida
• Experience with prescribed fire application and fire ecology
• Experience in supervising team members
• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices
• Ability to conduct wildlife surveys and summarize biological data
• Proficient in ArcGIS and GPS applications
• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers, and heavy equipment

Broadband code: 19-1023-03

Class code: 5074

Region: Northeast

Working Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday– Friday, with occasional weekend work and atypical hours expected. Occasional overnight travel required.

List of any subordinates supervised: 1 OPS Fish and Wildlife Technician

Residency requirement: Required to live within 25 miles of the entrance of Split Oak Forest WEA.

Level of Education: Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in a life or physical science. A bachelor’s degree can substitute for four years of direct, relevant experience.

Benefits: Participate in Group health insurance and included in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

Other Requirements: This position is designated as a home-is-office position. Incumbent will be required to complete prescribed burning training to obtain and maintain a Florida certified prescribed burn manager certificate within 18 months of hire date. Will be required to obtain and maintain a current and valid Florida Driver’s license.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.